It was the second home match running Hooper had registered and his latest strike lifted Carlos Carvalhal’s charges up to fifth in the Championship, just four points adrift of the automatic promotion placings.

“We all see what Hoops brings,” stressed Lees. “It is not just his goals. It is his all round play.

“When we are in trouble whether it is the goalkeeper, centre-half or right-back, you know Hooper is that little out ball and you can play it up to him. He holds the ball up and brings others into play.

“He always competes with the centre-half and makes things not easy for them so he gives you that little breather.

“Hoops is doing really well at the moment and hopefully he can carry that on.”

Goalkeeper Keiren Westwood sat-out the QPR triumph due the back injury he suffered at Cardiff City last week.